How California and Nationwide Funding Changes Make Now the Time to Install EV Chargers

Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is growing fast, and property owners in Los Angeles who plan now will capture new customers, increase property value, and take advantage of generous incentives. This guide explains the recent funding and policy developments that impact EV charger installation, what they mean for businesses and multifamily property owners in Los Angeles, and a step-by-step checklist for installing reliable, future-ready EV infrastructure. We reference recent, reputable reporting on state and federal programs and real-world installations to show how momentum is building across the country.

Why this moment matters

Two big trends are converging: (1) governments are committing large sums to build out public fast chargers and support publicly accessible charging; and (2) vehicle and network standards are evolving to make charging more seamless for drivers. These changes mean more drivers will expect chargers at retail centers, travel hubs, apartment complexes, offices, and municipal lots — and many projects are now eligible for financial support that can dramatically reduce upfront costs.

Recent reporting highlights how public funds are being deployed and how communities are benefiting:

Indiana awarded more than $3.3 million to build 36 new charging projects, prioritizing DC fast chargers along major travel corridors, showing how targeted funds can expand long-distance EV travel infrastructure ([Electrek: Indiana gets a big EV charging boost](https://electrek.co/2025/08/07/indiana-ev-charging-pilot/)).

California launched a significant incentive program — the Fast Charge California Project — offering up to $55 million to cover installation costs for qualifying public fast-charging sites, including the possibility of 100% coverage for shovel-ready projects in targeted locations ([MobilityPlaza: California launches $55 incentive](https://www.mobilityplaza.org/news/42212)).

Local, community-driven installations show the social benefits of chargers: in Sacramento, students helped build chargers for a neighborhood mobility hub that sits at a long-standing community anchor, demonstrating how public funds and education can combine to deliver local benefits ([CapRadio: South Sacramento chargers built by local students](https://www.capradio.org/articles/2025/08/06/south-sacramento-gets-new-fast-chargers-built-by-local-students/)).

Policy and funding at the federal level remain important and sometimes uncertain; recent legal action aims to unfreeze NEVI (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) funds that support nationwide charging networks — a reminder to track federal program status because it affects long-term funding and planning ([LinkNky: Governors sue to unfreeze NEVI funding](https://linknky.com/politics/2025/08/07/beshear-joins-lawsuit-to-unfreeze-federal-funds-for-electric-vehicle-chargers/)).

At the same time, vehicle charging compatibility is evolving: the adoption of NACS (Tesla’s North American Charging Standard) by multiple automakers and the availability of adapters changes how drivers access networks and how site hosts should plan for future interoperability ([InsideEVs: Charging with a Tesla adapter](https://insideevs.com/news/768225/kia-ev6-charging-adapter-tesla/)).

What these trends mean for Los Angeles property owners

Whether you manage a shopping center, a hotel, an apartment building, or a business park in Los Angeles, the combination of state incentives and evolving market expectations creates an opportunity to install chargers with lower net cost and strong long-term demand. Here’s what to consider:

1. Choose the right charger type for your site

There are two core categories:

Level 2 chargers (AC, 240V): Best for workplaces, apartments, retail, and overnight parking. These offer slower charging but are cost-effective for long-dwell sites.

DC fast chargers (DCFC): Best for travel corridors, quick-turn retail, and highway-facing locations. DCFC attracts drivers who need 20–60 minutes of charge and can be eligible for larger public incentives.

Programs like California’s Fast Charge California target DC fast charging and may cover a large portion — up to 100% — of eligible installation costs for shovel-ready public sites. If your site is publicly accessible and near a major route, fast chargers may be the best match for incentives (MobilityPlaza).

2. Location and access matter

Visibility, 24/7 access, signage, and the ability for large vehicles to maneuver are critical for public fast-charging sites. Indiana’s recent awards prioritized DC fast chargers along alternative fuel corridors to support long-distance travel — a useful model to emulate for sites serving highway travelers (Electrek).

3. Plan for interoperability and future-proofing

Charging standards are consolidating. Many newer EVs and networks now support NACS; adapters let non-Tesla vehicles access many Superchargers today. Site owners should plan for multiple plug types and network compatibility to serve the widest pool of drivers now and later (InsideEVs).

4. Funding and incentives can cut costs dramatically

Public incentives — state programs, local utility incentives, and federal dollars — can reduce installation costs significantly. The Fast Charge California Project’s possibility of full coverage for eligible sites is an exceptional opportunity for property owners with shovel-ready projects (MobilityPlaza).

At the federal level, the NEVI program aims to fund a nationwide network, but the availability of those funds has seen legal and political developments that could affect timing. Stay informed and plan flexible timelines that can accommodate funding approvals or delays (LinkNky).

Real-world examples you can learn from

Look at recent projects that show different paths to successful installations:

Community mobility hub in Sacramento — A neighborhood hub built with federal funding and local participation not only provides charging but also strengthens community services and workforce training. This demonstrates that chargers can be integrated into broader community and social-benefit initiatives (CapRadio).

Corridor-focused fast chargers — State and VW Mitigation funds (as in Indiana) often prioritize DC fast chargers along travel corridors. These projects focus on connectivity and reliable 24/7 access for long-distance drivers (Electrek).

Step-by-step checklist for an EV charging project in Los Angeles

Use this practical checklist to move from concept to operation. Shaffer Construction specializes in managing each step for property owners across Los Angeles.

Phase 1 — Project scoping and funding research

Define your goals: customer convenience, employee charging, revenue generation, or serving the community?

Decide charger type: Level 2 for long-dwell sites; DC fast for quick turnover or highway-facing sites.

Confirm public vs. private access: public sites are often prioritized for state incentives like Fast Charge California (MobilityPlaza).

Identify incentive opportunities: state programs, local municipality options, utility rebates, and federal programs (monitor NEVI status — federal funding can shift) (LinkNky).

Phase 2 — Site assessment and design

Electrical capacity study: determine available panel and service capacity; consider upgrades, transformer needs, and meter configurations.

Site layout: choose stall placement for accessibility, ADA compliance, and traffic flow. For DCFC, plan for space, concrete islands, and cooling/ventilation as needed.

Permit strategy: determine local permits (city, county) and environmental or zoning reviews.

Interconnection planning: early coordination with the utility can prevent costly surprises and identify potential incentives.

Phase 3 — Selecting equipment and network options

Choose reliable manufacturers with proven warranties.

Decide on networked chargers vs. standalone: networked units enable payments, telematics, and remote diagnostics.

Plan for connector types and adapters: accommodate multiple plug standards so your chargers serve the broadest set of vehicles (InsideEVs).

Phase 4 — Construction and commissioning

Manage civil work: concrete pads, lighting, signage, trenching, and ADA paths.

Electrical work: service upgrades, conduit runs, grounding, and interlocks.

Testing and commissioning: ensure chargers communicate properly, accept payments (if applicable), and meet performance guarantees.

Public announcements and site activation: coordinate ribbon-cuttings or community events where appropriate — community hubs often tie in local stakeholders for maximum benefit (CapRadio).

Funding and incentive considerations (what to expect)

California’s Fast Charge California Project shows the scale of available support for public DC fast charging projects; some shovel-ready sites could receive full coverage of eligible installation costs (MobilityPlaza). Local municipalities and state programs often require specific site readiness and public access commitments — so early preparation is key.

Federal NEVI funding is planned to create a national fast-charging network, but timing and disbursement can be affected by legal and administrative developments. Keep an eye on federal program status when planning projects that may rely on NEVI support (LinkNky).

Community and equity: why inclusive projects win

Programs often prioritize tribal, disadvantaged, and low-income communities. Community-centered projects offer environmental benefits, job training opportunities, and public goodwill. The Sacramento case shows how chargers can become part of a community hub that delivers broader social value (CapRadio).

Interoperability and the driver experience

Drivers want chargers that work with their vehicle and accept simple payment methods. The charging landscape is shifting: adapter solutions and broader network access make it easier for a wider variety of EVs to use a given site. Plan for multiple connector types and clear wayfinding so customers can plug in quickly and confidently (InsideEVs).

Practical tips for Los Angeles property owners

Start early with the utility: utility-led upgrades and interconnection agreements can be the longest lead items.

Think phased deployments: begin with Level 2 or a small number of DC fast chargers and expand as demand grows or as additional incentives become available.

Document public access and operating plans carefully to qualify for state or regional incentives.

Include signage, lighting, and security to ensure comfort for users at all hours — 24/7 access is especially important for corridor DC fast charging.

Track incentive windows and submit complete applications: programs with large pots of funding often require rapid, compliant submissions to secure awards.

Why hire a specialized contractor?

EV charger installations combine civil, electrical, and communications work plus coordination with utilities and incentives programs. A specialized electrical and general contractor with local experience simplifies the process and reduces the risk of delays, unplanned costs, or non-compliance with grant requirements.

Shaffer Construction has deep experience delivering EV projects across Los Angeles, from multifamily and workplace Level 2 deployments to commercial DC fast charging sites. We handle design, permitting, utility coordination, construction, and commissioning — and we work to maximize available incentives so your project achieves the best return on investment.

Where to learn more and next steps

Keep these reliable resources bookmarked as you plan:

Electrek coverage on state and regional EV funding: Indiana gets a big EV charging boost

InsideEVs on adapter and interoperability trends: I charged my Kia EV6 using a Tesla adapter

MobilityPlaza reporting on California’s $55M Fast Charge Project: California launches $55 incentive

LinkNky reporting on federal NEVI funding developments: Beshear joins lawsuit to unfreeze NEVI funds

CapRadio’s story on community-driven charging hubs in Sacramento: South Sacramento gets new fast chargers

Contact Shaffer Construction to get started

If you’re ready to evaluate chargers for your site in Los Angeles — or want a free site assessment to see which incentives and charger types fit your property — contact Shaffer Construction. We’ll walk you through site feasibility, incentives, design, permitting, construction, and commissioning.

Shaffer Construction, Inc. 325 N Larchmont Blvd. #202 Los Angeles, CA 90004 Phone: 323-642-8509 Email: hello@shaffercon.com Website: www.shaffercon.com

Investing in EV charging now positions your property for the next wave of mobility, attracts customers and tenants, and can qualify you for meaningful financial support. With the right partner and a clear plan, an EV charging installation is a smart, future-facing infrastructure upgrade for Los Angeles properties.

Sources cited above: Electrek, InsideEVs, MobilityPlaza, LinkNky, CapRadio.